The Trotters are still four points adrift of fourth from bottom Birmingham but their goal difference has widened after two-goal Gareth Barry helped Villa claim their first win in four games.

Megson's side have now taken only one point from their last eight games and face what he described as a must-win game with West Ham next Saturday.

Megson said: "We didn't do enough today to get a result. We got off to a poor start, giving away a goal inside in the first 10 minutes, and it was difficult after that point.

"We had our best period just after half time but the second goal left us facing an uphill battle and then we conceded some sloppy goals.

"People ask whether we have been affected by the defeat against Arsenal after leading 2-0 against 10 men but we can't blame that for today.

"The fact is we are on an awful run with just one point from the last eight games which has seen us slip into this position.

"But I don't think anyone is giving up and I would be disappointed if that was the case.

"The only positive about today is that the places at the bottom haven't changed although our goal difference has taken a hit.

"We can close the gap but now we have a huge home game against West Ham. People go on about must-win games and that is as near as you can get to that.

"We can't do a massive amount about other people's results but we have to get one ourselves very quickly.

"If we put in a good performance the belief will soon come back and the focus in on these last five games."

Villa manager Martin O'Neill was relieved to see his side get back on the winning trail after a run of three successive defeats had dented their hopes of European football.

Gabriel Agbonlahor scored for the first time in 13 games while Barry's double produced his first goals in open play this season.

O'Neill said: "We had hit the buffers. We played so well at Arsenal a month ago and if someone had said then we would collect only one more point from the next four games, I would not have believed it.

"It was hard to explain the home performances against Middlesbrough and Sunderland after the way we played at Arsenal.

"We did not create chances in those games and the confidence starts to ebb away. Today it returned.

"The first goal was important and we looked as if we could score.

"They had a good spell just after half time but overall I was delighted with our performance."

Ashley Young recaptured the form on the left wing which had brought him England recognition after being given a free role by O'Neill.

He added: "We let him go free today and he enjoys that. He can go down either flank and cause problems. He was brilliant today."

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